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PortugueseThe Menorah, an eternal Jewish symbol, is the model and inspiration for how we should live our lives.
This week’s Torah portion is Beha’alotcha (Numbers 8:1-12:16). Beha’alotcha opens with the instructions and procedures for the lighting of the Menorah, the candelabra that was lit each day in the Mishkan (the portable sanctuary in the desert) and later in the Beit Hamikdash (the Holy Temple). The Menorah is certainly among, if not the most, prominent of Temple vessels. In fact, it is the Menorah that is the official emblem of the State of Israel!
There is a tremendous amount of symbolism and meaning in the Menorah. For example, we are told that the Menorah was miksha achat – beaten from a single piece of gold. The menorah was not simply gold-plated, it was not constructed in individual pieces that were later combined, and there were no other materials used. 100% Gold. The commentators teach us that we are to make ourselves similar to the Menorah. We too, must be made of “solid gold” – we must be made of the same “material” on the “inside” that we appear to be made of “on the outside.” We can’t be two-faced, contradictory, or hypocritical. We must be like the Menorah – pure gold.
Similar to the above interpretation, the Menorah is intended to be the inspiration as to how we live our lives. The Menorah begins with the central, entire stem, and branches outwards. So, too, our demeanor, behavior, personalities and especially our good deeds should branch out and influence others and have a positive effect on the world around us. We should be sure to influence society and not let society influence us.
The word “Beha’alotcha” means to “lift up” or “to be raised.” When the Kohen (priest) would light each candle in the Menorah, he would have to hold the lighting mechanism in place until the candle was fully alight, without fear that it would blow out. Additionally, we are told that the flames would flicker upwards, more so than a regular flame. This teaches us that we must strive to continually go higher and higher in our acts of kindness and performance of mitzvot (Torah commandments).
Finally, the height of the Menorah was slightly taller than the height of most people. In order to light the menorah, the Kohen would have to ascend three steps. This, again, teaches us that our entire life should be one of striving for greater heights. We must not be satisfied with the status quo and we must not rest on our current accomplishments and laurels. We must always go forward. Continue. Plug away. Never give up. Even the fish know that unless you continually make the effort to swim upstream, the rush of the river will again push you back to where you started. So too, we can’t ever give up. Not even for a second. Keep going forward.
There is much more to discuss, but suffice it to say that the Menorah is the model and inspiration for how we should live our lives and how to be proper human beings: Solid Gold.
By Ari Enkin, rabbinic director, United with Israel
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